Backing out on a promise to Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson wasn't the easiest thing to do, but looking back Brendan Douglas has no regrets.

The former Aquinas star was committed and set to play his college football on North Avenue in Atlanta before Georgia coach Mark Richt's offer to become a Bulldog caused him to rethink those plans.

Still, calling Johnson to give him the news two days before Signing Day made Douglas swallow hard.

"It was tough," said Douglas, who will arrive with the rest of the Bulldog freshmen on June 3. "It was probably the toughest I've had, but it just felt right. I felt so bad, but it was a decision I had to make and I made it."

He won't be looking back.

"It was wild," Douglas said. "People always told me that recruiting was a crazy process, and I think I saw the best of it. It was wild but I'm happy where I am and happy that I'm going Georgia."

"I'm not all about attention. I don't get into all that kind of stuff," he said. "I just had to find a place that was good for me and I think I did."

At 5-11½ and 220 pounds, Douglas was a standout player for Class A Aquinas in Augusta, rushing for 1,400 yards and 22 touchdowns while starring on both sides of the ball and on special teams.

He hopes to play a similar role for the Bulldogs.

"I'm going to do whatever coaches ask me to do and try to help out as much as I can, whether that's on special teams or playing a little offense," Douglas said. "Whatever they need me to do I'm ready to do it."

Douglas said Richt told him he will pay tailback, where he will join fellow freshman J.J. Green and A.J. Turman in the backfield behind sophomores Todd Gurley and [/db]Keith Marshall[/db].

"I've been working out hard, get myself prepared to go out there and play and do everything I can," Douglas said. "It's a great opportunity to have and I'm blessed to be in the position that I am. I'm lucky to be here."

Douglas has had plenty of support and advice for the next chapter in his football life.

His older brother John signed with Auburn before transferring to Georgia Southern where he played linebacker for the Eagles. Their father also played and coached for Georgia Southern.

"My brother has given me a lot of advice on what to expect and things like that," said Douglas, who will wear No. 22. "He just told me to keep working. He knows what it's all about, what to expect and what I'll need to do."